melodiesoflife | Intro Log || The Heroes of Darkness

Intro Log || The Heroes of Darkness

Characters: All the new characters + those who were made prisoner last month.
Where: Heran Research Center.
When: The 25th of February. The new Heroes of Light will awaken early in the morning.
Summary: The new Heroes of Light awaken in in an Imperial Facility, seemingly left on their own. Will they escape, or will someone come to rescue them? This log is for the first couple days spent in the facility. There will be a new log posted within the next ten days for them to escape and go to Aqures Ixen, the main city, or for the other Heroes of Light to come and rescue them; whichever comes first.
Warning: N/A

Where you were or what you were doing— It does not really matter. Not any more. Within an instant, the world around you collapses. Reality twists and shatters... Or maybe you are the one who is collapsing and shattering away from reality as you knew it. No matter what the answer is, it will only take a few seconds for you to find yourself sinking into a void, your world vanishing into the distance. There is nothing but darkness as far as the eye can see. Even you feel different: all the powers you might once have had, are now gone. It is silent, cold and it feels as though life itself is slipping out of you.

At this moment, when it looks as though nothing but a never-ending void awaits you, a red Crystal forms before you. In this void, its warmth compels you to grab it. Upon doing so, you can hear a soft, soothing voice speaking:

"Wake up."

The voice soon fades, as does the crystal... And then there is nothing but a void, for what may seem to be an eternity. Minutes, hours, maybe even days pass. It is impossible to say in the void.

Awakening
— Shortly Thereafter —
But eventually, the void itself vanishes; maybe this had been nothing more than a dream? But not quite. Upon opening your eyes, you may stumble upon a Moogle-- A fluffy ball of fur, though this one is wearing a lab coat and glasses, not to mention he was looking at you in your sleep. Not just at you however. Indeed, there are many others around you, people you may have never seen before, all laying on beds and waking up. At this point, you may notice you are no longer where you were before: you are laying on a bed, in a white room, dimly lit and with for sole company that Moogle. As if it wasn't strange enough, your clothes have changed as well. They are now a reflection of the Jobs you are wielding.

The Moogle will inform you all of what you are: Heroes of Light, people from other worlds who are supposed to save this world, Crystallis. However, the Moogle doesn't sound very convinced as he tells you all that... And you're not the first Heroes of Light either; many before you woke up in this world, except unlike you they are free. A few of them were captured last month and are now among you now. Before you can react and ask too many questions or try to strangle him, the Moogle will disappear in a flash of light, with as last word "Hold on."

You probably have many questions. And so do the other 'Heroes' around you. Maybe it's time to speak with your companions in misfortune.

The Research Center
— Anytime —
And there is a good reason for you to hold on. Unlike past Heroes of Light who woke up peacefully, you are prisoner in an Imperial Facility. Next to your bed, you will find a small table with a clear, white Crystal along with your envelope. Inside there is simple piece of paper with your name on it along with the names of your two Jobs. There is also a letter written by the Moogle, explaining that these are the Jobs that were bestowed upon you-- Special powers that you can use. He also mentions that the Crystal belongs to you and is very important, but because of the way they were awakened, it is white and not colored like that of other Heroes.

The letter also explains some more things-- It says that there is a woman named "Kalki" who has been experimenting on the Heroes of Light and that you are next. She is away for now, but as soon as she'll return she'll do terrible things to you. You all need to find a way out to go to the place where the other Heroes of Light live freely: Aqures Ixen. He'll also say that he has made the floor as comfortable as possible for you, but that if you don't find a way out before next week, Lady Kalki will take everything away upon returning.

Aside from this letter and your clothing, you have nothing left. The exception to this are pets: if you had an animal of any kind, it may be by your bed, waiting for you. The facility itself is pretty bare as well. There is the large room with all the beds where you woke up, bathrooms, a dinner room and even an office, the door of which was left open. There are no guards on this floor, and there is no need for them. All exits are sealed and using magic from Jobs won't work to break out. There are no windows either, and a sign next to the sealed elevator door reads "Sub-Level 20." Overall, this could be worst. And it will be worst if you don't escape before this "Kalki" returns. Maybe it's time to plot something.

Dinner Time
— Evening —
Everyday at 7 PM, Moogles will come by a small door fitted specially for them and will drop food in the dinner room. There is a single large table where everyone can sit, and the Moogles are rather jovial-- This is the best job they've had in months. The food looks delicious too, but upon tasting it, you may realize this is the worst thing you've ever tasted. Even dogs wouldn't eat it, but unfortunately, that is all you can eat. Complaining at the Moogles won't do much as they're not the cooks, and attacking them will only result in them not bringing you food on the next day.

Oh, and they come only for dinner. Breakfast and all? You'll probably have to skip on those for a couple days.

The Computer
— Anytime —
In the office, there is something akin to a computer. There is actually a large crystal posed over the desk, projecting two holographic screens on which information are displayed. It also projects something akin to a keyboard, though it may be confusing for those used to normal keyboards. The crystal computer is always on, but is password locked and not much can be done. It is possible to hack into it should someone be skilled with computers, but all that can be accessed are some files left by the Moogle working there. There is a map of the world, some basic information regarding the various cities. There is also a list of all available Jobs and what skills are associated to them, along with some more interesting things:

• Heroes of Light
The name given to those who come from other worlds. This title was first bestowed unto them by the Ancient before the final battle against the Calamity from the Skies. They come from a large variety of different worlds, but most of them show a physiology close to that of Humans. Some are different, but they are all capable of living in the same type of environment. They possess the unique ability to equip two Jobs at once, something that inevitably results in death for people native to Crystallis. It is said only they possess the power to defeat the Calamity from the Skies.

The system that summons them to Crystallis is believed to have been programmed by the Ancients before their extinction. While the way Heroes of Light are brought to Crystallis imitates the patterns of randomness and sometimes makes no apparent sense, evidences show every Heroes of Light were specifically chosen. What factors were taken into account by the Ancients when they made their choice is unknown. I think Lady Kalki knows, but she refuses to answer questions on this topic.

[ Below this, there is a list with the names of all the characters who have awakened this app round, along with the names of those who are prisoner. The names seem to be clickable, but attempting to do so will bring an error sound. ]

• The Ancients
The first sentient race to have inhabited Crystallis, now extinct. Evidences seem to imply the Ancients were not native from Crystallis and migrated to this world for reasons unknown. What they left behind is the basis of all our technology. Their ties to the Heroes of Light and the Calamity from the Skies are unknown. It is believed they summoned the former to fight the later.

However--

[ The rest of the file is corrupt. ]

• Calamity from the Skies
The name given to the entity that attempted to destroy Crystallis millenias ago. According to legends, the Calamity possesses the power to destroy worlds and absorb what's left of them. Should it be true, it can be assumed its power grows with every world it destroys. Enough evidence exists to conclude the Calamity does exist and sleeps somewhere on Crystallis. If the Heroes of Light do indeed possess the power to defeat it, one can conclude a link exists between them.

Furthermore, one can question what would happen should the Calamity devour Crystallis. This world is connected to countless others; it can hence be assumed that if the Calamity was to devour this world, it would devour an unimaginable number of worlds along with it. And if indeed the Calamity grows in power upon devouring worlds, it would most likely become unstoppable then.

• Aqures Ixen
The capital of the Kingdom of Aqures and referred to by Lady Kalki as the "City of Light." She claims the city was built upon the ruins of the Capital of the Ancients. She never explained what it implies, but this is also the city where the Heroes of Light we couldn't get are. It is probable something important is hidden in there. The city is also home to the Crystal of Fire.

[ Below this, there is a list with the names of every characters who were already in the game prior to this app round. The names seem to be clickable, but attempting to do so will bring an error sound. ]

• Sub-Level 27
There are officially 26 sub-levels in this facility. Sub-Level 26 is where the new model of Airship is being built by our prisoner, Dr. Cid of Roalie. However, I have found evidence of a 27th sub-level existing in this facility. Only Lady Kalki seems to be able to access it. Whatever is hidden there is probably of utmost importance, maybe even more important than Dr Cid's Airship and the Heroes of Light.

But I'm too scared to try and go there.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

He starts, half-turning with his hand going for the sword that he did not have. His fingers closed on empty air before he remind himself that he was not armed and that he was in a relatively safe state at the moment. The only people here were others like him or those strange flying creatures that delivered the food.

Kenshin really needed to stop being so paranoid that he was going to get attacked.

"...A computer?" The word felt odd on his tongue and he looked at the young woman, assessing her for danger before shaking his head. Now was not the best time to see killers in even children.

"Pardon, this one thought it was a projecting lantern, that one did."

No obvious or even obviously-hidden danger from Lydia, aside from a hint of fangs. An enveloping cloak over ornately decorated purple vest, white blouse with frilly collar, and a long black skirt that split revealing black leggings and boots underneath. Long black gloves that had the fingers free, and a discreet but ornate bag hanging under the cloak. Pale, paler than most even before she came here.

"Are..you not familiar with computers?" She hazarded, moving more fully into the room. Not a sound--deathly quiet as she moved. "I'm still getting used to all of this myself. What a way to wake up, right?" A friendly smile, a bit shy. "I'm Lydia. Do you mean a magic lantern, when you say projecting lantern? Like from the history of cinema and film?"

Were people being drawn from different times as well as different worlds? Deadly vu!

That paleness and fangs had him think of fox spirits and ghosts, strange creatures that haunted the night and trapped the unwary. Kenshin watched her for a moment, and then turned back to the computer, frowning at it. He was dressed in much familiar clothing - light kimono under kamishimo with arm sleeves covered in chainmail, and practical tabi on his feet. The colors were all of various shades of black and gray, made to blend into the shadows, even though a part of Kenshin knew that a more subdue green would work better.

"This one is not," he said, taking a step back, making hardly any sound himself. In this strange place, he was easing his control over his hitokiri instincts. "This one is Himura Kenshin. One is not sure, but one seen them used for ghosts in plays."

"That would make sense, or it could just be stage illusions and dressing. They can make some amazing things happen, even without a lot of money or props, in the theater." An open and friendly smile still, as Lydia moved closer and examined the keyboard-projection. Hesitantly pressing a button, and getting the screen to move down and up at least. So, not all of it was password locked?

"A magic Lantern was an early tool, where I'm from, and a precursor to movies. Filmed images on big screens. It's related to photographs, and cameras in general. Do you have photographs where you're from, Mr. Kenshin?" Turning to face him, still open and curious in general.

Then taking a moment to look at his clothes, and her head tilted. "Or..you're from somewhere in Asia yes?" Bringing a hand up, murmuring to herself, something that sounded like "now what did Mother say when she last went on her art-kick about asian artists..." Then clapping her hand as she remembered, and curtsied. "You'd go by your surname first, then given name. It's Mr. Himura. I'm sorry for any offense. I'm Lydia Deetz." Coming back up, with a hint of impish smile. "Although it'd probably be Deetz Lydia, in the asian countries."

"This one has heard of photographs but one has not seen one. They are something only the rich may afford, that they are."

He bowed in response, having been brought up polite even if he was unsure of the exact Western response. "It is an honor, Deetz Lydia-domo."

Her manner was a little odd, but there were a lot of countries in the world, many of which were large enough to swallow his homeland within their borders. Their size and firepower was half the reason why so many feared them, but he joined the rebels in order for his country to grow and learn from the Westerners, not to hide under their thumbs.

What a fool he had been.

"This one calls Nippon home, and there was none taken. One's customs are not your, and you recognized that is so. Can one ask where you are from?"

"Lydia is fine, really." She offered back, hands clasped in front of her but her manner still open and friendly. "Nippon is Japan right? I'm from America. Specifically a place called Peaceful Pines, in Connecticut."

His speaking of photographs as something only rich people could afford, had Lydia taking a slightly closer look discreetly at his clothing. Older Japanese, and she didn't think many modern people wore armor with their clothing. Then again, she didn't think most modern Japanese wore their older kimono-style every day either. It was starting to look like she was right in her guess that people were being pulled from different time as well as places. She was guessing somewhere in the mid to late 19th century.

That was a little improper. Kenshin blinked, looking at her and then ducking his head, rubbing the back of his neck. It was improper but she was young and innocent, with little malicious intent though he had a feeling that she could be a quite the trickster if she wished. Then again, Americans were considered a strange people, with customs that would put to shame even Megumi. In fact, wasn't she from a family that traveled and picked up strange habits from other countries?

He was dressed like a shinobi more so than anything else. Kenshin found it rather embarrassing and a little rude of whoever had dressed him; he had been a hitokiri first and one did not wear metal that could catch the light, even though this metal was darkened as was the custom.

"I do not recognize the name of your village, Lydia-domo," he said carefully, knowing that Connecticut was a state.

"It's a very small town, so that's understandable." Peaceful Pines, was exactly what Charles Deetz wanted. Small, and calm, and boring. Most of the time--Lydia was known to occasionally liven things up, usually because of Beetlejuice (and occasionally she was calming things down, due to the same). Her mother's attempts to bring culture to the town also had a habit of making things a bit less dull.

She was tapping keys along the projected keyboard. Definitely more advanced, and somewhat different, than she was used to, but she was certain now it was a computer of some kind. "Are you able to read the language on the screen, Mr. Himura?" She asked. Most of it seemed to be password protected but there was some that was easy to find.

Lydia was definitely not good enough to get past the basics, though. Even with her curiosity and creativity.

Edited 2015-03-01 03:04 (UTC)

"Mm."

Which was also strange. While he could read and write - even if his writing has been made fun of more than one occasion - he was sure he shouldn't be able to read what was on the screen in front of him. He had little talent for languages, his training focusing on being a warrior first, how to take of himself second, and some other simpler arts. He should not be able to read different languages or even understand Lydia as well.

"Yet... it is weird. One should not be able to speak to you if you do not speak Japanese."

"I was kind of wondering that myself." Lydia murmured shyly. "My guess is magic, somehow. I'm not sure how though. I'm kind of used to strange adventures, but this is even more strange than I'm used to." A faint sigh, and she showed him how to press the 'keyboard' where it was projected, to move the screen at least. "I also normally have my best friend with me, but...he can't get to me here."

She'd tried, and no such luck.

"It is like a dream," he said, recalling that he sometimes had nice ones. Far apart, sometimes fading into terror, but still they were pleasant ones that did not end in pain and blood. "But you are right. It has to be magic."

Her best friend. He looked at her again, paying little attention to the work with the projecting screen as she mentioned him before looking back.

"Would you feel better if your friend was here, or would it make it worse because then you will have to help him?"

That was a very good question, and it did make Lydia stop and think. She was so used to Beetlejuice being so capable--of getting himself into trouble, mostly. Usually she could help him get himself out of it as well, so that'd be nothing new. Except...

A longer pause, her expression clearly lost in thought as she pondered this. "Helping him wouldn't really be anything new, as I often help him get out of the trouble he creates already." Lydia's tone was faintly absent, answering the question while her mind still puzzled the other aspect out.

Pulling the letter out of the bag tucked slightly under her cloak at her side, and scanning it again. A quick read, and back in the bag it goes, her attention going to the screen again. She's not meaning to ignore you, Kenshin, just her mind is on implications and what-ifs now.

Because maybe it was better Beej couldn't get to her. He might not have ANY of his normal abilities, and he might get himself into more trouble than they could get out of..

Edited 2015-03-01 05:13 (UTC)

He waited, using the time to play with his new-found skill with the computer, smiling a little because he can see more of the words on the screen. He understood her talking about needing to help someone out of the trouble they get themselves into - a lot of his friends were the same way.

"This one thinks that when they speak of Jobs, they are talking about what skills you are allowed to use," he said, frowning at the screen. "This one was not a shinobi - a ninja - but one is a warrior and one is very much known for one's speed. Maybe these Jobs are suppose to be the skills they decided matched closest to what we are from our homes?"

Which might mean that the young woman sitting next to him had powers alike to those of fox spirits in her home.

Edited 2015-03-01 05:20 (UTC)

His words pulled her out of her thoughts, and she blinked. Then sent her thoughts on another tangent, that had her gasping slightly. Reaching up to poke the fangs in her mouth. "Huh...that explains these."

She thought 'Vampire' had been a joke, maybe.

Then her expression took on a hint of annoyance, hands on her hips. Speaking to the air, in dramatic teenage fit. "Ok, I KNOW I'm pale, but really? A Vampire? Cliche-much? You're lucky I don't mind!"

Ok, privately she thought it was kind of cool. She wondered what type of Vampire they were using as the base. She was also amused that she was a Scholar; her grades weren't that good, although she did like learning.

He wasn't trying to stare at the teeth and he really wasn't trying to flinch at the dramatic fit, but the last time he was around a dramatic fit, he had been chased around the side of a road by an irate swordswoman. And he lost his lunch too in the ensuing chase. He didn't blame Kaoru but still, it was a little much for his delicate self.

But then she was talking about a vampire and he tried to figure out what that was, but he wasn't sure. It sounded like a Westerner's legend and nothing that he would know. He thought that she was more alike to fox spirits or something.

"Umm.. what is a vampire?"

Turning, blinking for a minute, and then sighing gently. "You don't have them in Japan?" It was a gentle question, not making fun of him. She was surprised a bit, but so what?

"A vampire is a creature usually thought of as mythical. They drink human blood, are considered undead because they rose from their graves, and can have a whole host of other traits. Usually they can't go out in daylight, or if they can, they're weaker. If they don't burn up into ash. They can't really be killed except by fire, or by a wooden stake through the heart. Usually they can turn into a bat, and sometimes wolves and mist as well." It had been a bit of a long speech, and she wasn't meaning to overdo and overwhelm it.

Blushing a bit, and hands clasped behind her casually. "I'm not entirely sure what they mean by it being a job, here though. They're known for being really really pale, and having fangs. They also don't have reflections, or show up in mirrors or photographs."

"We have ghosts and demons that act that way, or the Chinese have creatures that are once human but made to rise by magicians."

The Western concept of vampires was just starting to spread in Japan. He himself never really heard of that version, only the older versions of ghosts who seek blood and vengeance or the kyonshī from China. He didn't know what it meant either, only that he was certainly going to continue to be confused by everything around him.

"Could it be something of what you once did has affect their choice for you?"

"Oh, no no...I know what it is. At least, I have a theory of why." Lydia said, still feeling slightly bad for overwhelming him with information. "It's because I'm pale, and I like the dark and occult and spooky things. I'm drawn to the strange and unusual."

That was the bulk of Lydia's theory anyways. "I haven't ever drunk blood before though."

"This one does not recommend tasting blood," he said quietly. He was a hitokiri and later a free swordsman. No matter how careful he was, when he made it rain blood, he would always get the taste of it in his mouth and the smell of it on his skin. No matter how many baths, he could never get rid of it completely during those days.

"Why do you like such things? Are you in training for such?"

"Train...nononono. I'm not even sure how that'd work." Lydia replied, a bit confused but coming back over to sit. "I find it all fascinating. I look for the beauty in the unusual, and the strange. Too many people go through life expecting everything to be the same, to never have to have any kind of difference."

They expected you to smile, and nod, and look at things with a cookie cutter mind, where everything was pleasant and happy. Bright and breezy colors that were washed out, and the sun always shining--never a rainy day to be found. It was all appearances, never looking deeper. "I try to look past the surface of things, to see deeper."

"There are priests who do as such, and sometimes there are people who claim to have control over magic." Some of it was just trickery. He had seen through that easily enough, but there was others that made him wonder. Then again, there were some people that believed that he was a demon bound to human form.

"This one does as well. Many people one has become friends with are not the kind one normally meets. There is nothing wrong in seeing deep inside and coaxing out the inner beauty others may not realize is there."

Lydia was familiar with magic, usually Beetlejuice's or the witches from the Neitherworld. So far she hadn't had much chance to explore other avenues of the Occult. Not practically, anyways; she read and tried to explore and learn. That was limited when you were in a deadly-dull small town like Peaceful Pines though.

"Exactly." Lydia responded to his statement about friends, a bright smile on her face. "Most people ignore the dark and spooky, the creepy and the gross, and only see what's on the outside." More quietly, a genuine smile of thanks on her face, she added. "Thank you for understanding, Mr. Himura."

Reality, mythology and magic was a part of his world, despite the growing concern over the modern inventions being brought by Westerners for trade. He would find it truly strange if none of it factored with other people.

"This one is considered strange by many people." The talks about his demon strength, the color of his hair, even his tiny frame had followed him throughout his life. He saw no reason to point out differences in others in a negative way. "You are welcome, Lydia-dono."

She tilted her head, and looked at him. Studying for a moment, expression still open. "I don't think you seem that strange. Your manner of speaking is a bit odd, but that could just as easily be whatever's allowing us to talk, having trouble translating the languages." Definitely a friendly smile on the end of that.

Edited 2015-03-02 01:56 (UTC)

"One is among the people back home, that I am," he said gently. He wasn't trying to disagree, but he was considered a bit strange even before people realized that he was the same person as Himura Battosai. He didn't mind being strange so long as people didn't try to kill him for it.

"Oro?"

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